How do you bring together tech workers, leaders, investors, the art community, and local nonprofits all in one night?
Ask TUGG (Technology Underwriting Greater Good) — their annual Tech Night at the Museum brought this diverse web of individuals together to celebrate nonprofits using technology for the greater good. Held at the ICA Boston on July 13, the event was a celebration of the convergence of art and tech — amplified by the event’s sponsors, Invaluable and Cuseum.
Tech Night at the Museum wasn’t just an everyday networking event. While the night gave plenty of time to socialize (and snack!), TUGG took the time to spotlight four of its portfolio nonprofits —Mbadika, Media Girls, Resilient Coders, and Transformative Culture Project (TCP). At the beginning of the night, each nonprofit was given a minute to pitch their organization’s mission:
- Mbadika spotlighted using tech to overcome challenges. At Mbadika — which means “idea”, everyone unleashes their inner innovator and entrepreneur. This organization focuses on letting our younger selves realize their ideas.
- Media Girls empowers girls from grades 6-8 to realize their self-worth using social media. The girls create positive projects using social media at both afterschool programs and workshops during the school day. Their goal is to empower young girls to be part of the solution by creating positive content.
- Resilient Coders presented on working with youth from underserved communities and teaching them the basics of web development. Resilient Coders operates a digital agency working with real clients, and employs their own graduates to build that work. “It allows us to incubate those individuals further,” explained founder David Delmar. “They get not only technical experience, but also professional experience… and that makes all the difference.”
- Transformative Culture Project (TCP) explored the intersection of technology and art as a cultural apex. TCP is teaching young people digital media as a workforce development model.
After the pitches, the event split off into breakout sessions: TCP leading a tour of the ICA’s exhibit Nari Ward: Sun Splashed, Mbadika and Media Girls hosting hands-on activities, and a talk with Resilient Coders students.
We’re thrilled to see such great organizations coming together to use tech for the greater good, and are thankful to join TUGG in this mission.
Photos from the event, via TUGG: